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'We have improved our operating rates' – Mitsui Chemicals

| Monday, April 27, 2009

The petrochemical industry is witnessing a rebound of sorts since the last three fortnights. On the back of an increase in demand, prices of petrochemicals are touching new 2009 highs, leading to major companies increasing their operating capacities.

Mitsui Chemicals which operates two naphtha crackers at Chiba and Osaka with production capacities of 553,000 tons per annum and 455,000 tons per annum respectively has also reportedly increased its operating capacities in April.

Fibre2fashion spoke to Mr Takehiro Suzuki of the CSR & Corporate Communications Division of Mitsui Chemicals, who said, that, “The average run rates of Mitsui Chemicals' naphtha crackers until March were approximately 70 percent”.

He added by saying, “However from early April, run rates improved to approximately 85 percent and production adjustments for inventory optimization in the first quarter (January through March) of 2009 have also been completed”.

To another question as to how he sees the petrochemical industry faring, he said, “Although demand in Japan is still slow, we are seeing improvement in demand from China. The economic stimulus measures by the Chinese government have resulted in an increase in Japanese exports to China”.

“However, exports from China have not yet shown improvement and it is still unknown as to whether the government measures will actually stimulate the economy and lead to economic recovery”, he concluded by saying.

Source: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/

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